Five local projects named finalists at Australian Institute of Architects 2016 WA Architecture Awards

FIVE local projects have been named as finalists at the upcoming Australian Institute of Architects 2016 WA Architecture Awards, honouring excellence in design and the significant contributions each building makes to its community’s built environment.

Lakeside Joondalup Shopping City’s redevelopment, designed by Lendlease with The Buchan Group, has been recognised in the commercial architecture category for its activation of transitional public zones, such as Station Square, and for its passive-solar design.

Edith Cowan University’s striking Ngoolark Student Services Building, with its gleaming gold façade, was nominated in the public architecture category for transforming the blank central space between the Joondalup campus’s library, lecture theatres and primary pedestrian walkways into a connected hub.

The five-storey building, designed by JCY Architects & Urban Designers, features flexible workspaces and a suspended public artwork that spans across all levels.

A third Joondalup project is a finalist in the interior architecture category, acknowledged for delivering an environment that is welcoming for young people at a difficult time in their lives.

Headspace Joondalup, located along Grand Boulevard and designed by Woods Bagot, was originally two separate buildings but is now a single environment that delivers a connection to nature to create a calming atmosphere for those requiring mental health services.

In the City of Wanneroo, the Koondoola Community Centre sets a new standard in relation to environmental sustainability with a design by Mike Movaffaghi that takes advantage of existing technologies.

This includes a “breathing system,” which allows for natural fresh-air ventilation and a layout that is focused on an appreciation of the natural surroundings.

In the small project architecture category, the Chapel of St James in Alkimos by DWA Architects stands out for its radial design, based on the concept of a sun-bleached shell found partially buried on a deserted beach.

The landmark building, which is on an elevated rock outcrop, brings together the St James Anglican School, the Yanchep Anglican Parish and community services under its roof.

In addition to these projects, the WA Architecture Awards has this year had a record number of entries.

AIA WA president Philip Griffiths said 2016 was a remarkable year for seeing significant projects come to fruition.

Winners will be announced at the presentation evening at the Crown Perth Grand Ballroom on July 1.

Visit the Exhibition of Entries at Central Park in the Perth CBD, June 27 to July 8 weekdays, 8.30am-5pm.